"True, I did," replied Jaspar, with a whining sullenness. "What would
you have of me now?"
"Only that you fulfil the stipulations of the bargain."
"Can I fulfil them? Can I marry you, even if the girl were willing?"
"You can give your commands. Will she not obey them?"
"Fool if she does!" muttered Jaspar, in a low tone.
"She will be so glad to be restored to her home, I fancy she will not
think the terms are hard."
"I don't know," said Jaspar, eying the attorney from head to foot. "I
consent to the marriage. I can do no more."
"Perhaps you will be willing to use a little gentle force, to save your
own neck," said the attorney, with something like a sneer.
"Anything, anything, that will silence your damning tongue, and rid me
of your teasing!"
"Now, sir, you are reasonable."
"Summon the girl," said Jaspar, impatiently. "I will say all I have to
say in a few words. But, if she foils you, it is not my fault."
"True sir; but Miss Dumont, at this critical juncture of her affairs,
will have respect for your counsels;" and the attorney withdrew to call
her.
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